Tag: summer 2015

Hiding Behind My Sunglasses

Posted on by PineForest

Yes, that will be me this Saturday, hiding behind my sunglasses, holding back my tears. Me, who promotes camp to other parents and me, who believes wholeheartedly in the unparalleled benefits and fun of overnight camp. Even so, that’ll be me.

It doesn’t matter how much you know they’ll love it. It doesn’t matter that you know they’re about to make friends and memories that will last a lifetime. It doesn’t matter that you know they’re about to have more fun than they ever thought imaginable. The bottom line is, letting your child go, allowing and empowering them to spread their wings without you is hard. Really hard. I think of this as the most “selfless” thing we as parents have probably ever done. Putting our needs and wants second to what we know is best for our children is something we do every day, but this is the granddaddy act of them all.

When it comes to camp, I find all the comfort and solace I need knowing my children will be safe, loved and cared for by some of the most amazing people I know. That they will be making friends and living with other amazing children who, like them, just want to have fun and take in all that camp has to offer. Pure, unplugged fun. I will, like you, pour over the posted pictures each night and hang on every word that comes to me in letters. All the while, reminding myself how lucky we all are…the kids who get to go and us parents who get to send them. The summer of 2015, Pine Forest Camp’s 85th summer, is going to be incredible and I truly can’t wait for my children to get there.

Good luck Saturday, parents. I like to keep the morning short and sweet and without a lot of fan-fair. That’s my advice. And, of course, wear your tinted sunglasses :).

Hilary Slovin
Camp Mom

PFC Bus

Letter to Counselors From a Camp Parent

Posted on by PineForest

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This letter from a Pine Forest parent was sent to the office just yesterday and we reprinted it with her permission.

Hello PFC summer staff 2015-

I am a parent sending [my children] to PFC this summer. They are so excited, and we are thrilled and grateful to be able to give them this gift of camp. However, my sleepless pre-camp nights have begun, because letting your children go away and leaving them in the care of others, is not a mother’s natural inclination. It is definitely unsettling.

I tell you this because I want you to know, that in caring for my children this summer, I consider you to have the most important job in the world! You probably have some friends who may be studying in a science lab or working for a judge or taking summer school classes…all to better their resume’ and prepare for their future. But if I were an employer looking to hire…your job as a counselor at camp would far outweigh those supposed resume building experiences. You have an opportunity to really care for and truly influence an individual. If you do it right, you can do anything well! To me, you would be the definition of a successful person.

So, thank you, in advance, for trying your best each and every day, even when it isn’t easy, and thank you for keeping my children safe and happy. You should feel honored and proud to have this most important job!

Enjoy!!

2015 Master Classes!

Posted on by PineForest

We are thrilled to announce that we’re bringing these exciting special guest instructors to camp this summer for ALL campers!

SOCCER: Gordon Hill, a soccer legend! World renowned former Manchester United star and Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) “A” licensed coach, the highest coaching designation in Europe.

ART: Steven Charny, PFC alumna and former Art Director at Rolling Stone Magazine will create a special mural with campers.

BASEBALL: Frank Decembrino, Head High School Baseball Coach and Former Associate Scout for the Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Club will host his Elite Baseball Clinic.

CHESS: Danny Kopec, International Master Chess Champion and teacher and Director of TOP Chess Camp.

SELF-DEFENSE AND FITNESS: Eugene Gershman of Krav Maga Centers of America

SPORTS BROADCASTING: Jeremy Treatment, TV play-by-play, color announcer and reporter. Campers will learn and practice the art of sports broadcasting.

ULTIMATE FRISBEE: Philadelphia Spinners Team Members.

DANCE: Kelli Moshen, Owner/Founder of Moshen Dance Project, performer and teacher. Back by popular demand!


And there are even more to come. Stay tuned!

New Family Weekend 2015: Check!

Posted on by PineForest

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Wow! What a weekend! Pine Forest Camp was filled with new families, new friends and fun for the overnight New Family Weekend. The sun shone on a glorious two days at camp. It started with bunk assignments, introductions at Netsy Playhouse, and then families went off for a tour of camp and activities were in full swing. Campers and their brothers and sisters climbed the climbing wall, canoed to Blueberry Island and even inaugurated the boys’ pool, with a splash.

Later in the day, Moms and Dads had a chance to meet the camp leaders at a question and answer session about getting ready for camp, while campers played games and practiced for the talent show campfire.

Barbara served a delicious barbeque chicken dinner with homemade apple cobbler and ice cream for dessert. We all saved room for s’mores at the campfire, and what a campfire it was!  Songs, jokes, skits, karate demonstrations, Rubik’s cube feats, and even yo-yo tricks by Chad.  At the end, both new campers and old, Moms, Dads, and even grandparents, linked arms and sang for the first time this year, the songs that we have been singing around that same campfire for 85 summers, “Taps” and “Friends.”

The next morning, everyone looked settled into camp life in their pajamas as we met for breakfast and goodbyes.  It won’t be long before those new campers are back for the real thing. Hopefully they will be more confident and secure than ever as they arrive at their summer home. The best is yet to come!

Thanks to all for a spectacular New Family Weekend! See you on opening day!!

PFC NFW1

Spotlight on: Amy!

Posted on by PineForest

Meet Amy Klimkowski, Head Counselor of Girls’ Camp!

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Hometown: Chicago, IL

When I’m not at camp, I’m: A Teacher and Sales Associate for Burton Snowboards

Years at camp: This will be my 10th summer!!! Can’t believe I’ll be going on the tree this year!

Favorite camp meal: Tacos. I can’t get enough. My record is 5 in one lunch! Burp.

Favorite camp tradition: Anything to do with 4th of July. It used to be the only day I would get homesick at camp. Now, 10 years later, I couldn’t imagine spending it anywhere else. The talent show is a highlight of my summer every year. You all rock for getting up there!

Favorite camp song: “I’ve got a pair of combination underwear…”

Favorite evening activity: Capture the Flag or Beach Ball Bonanza

Best part about being a camper: I was never a camper at PFC but I did go to camp when I was a kid. My favorite part of camp was the lake! I couldn’t get enough of it. I spent all day, every day there. Is that a big surprise to you? :)

Favorite part of current role: This is my first year in this role at camp but so far I have been loving it! Having the opportunity to work on projects and continually plan for camp all year long is a dream come true. This summer is going to be AMAZING! Andy and I have some exciting things up our sleeves… Also, a key to the ice cream barn will be a GREAT perk! Shhhh… I’ll share!

Favorite Camp Memory: There have been so many …but hitting a home run over the fence in the Boys’ Camp Home Run Derby contest is an absolute highlight. #hitlikeagirl

What I’m looking most forward to in 2015: Every year, the best part of my summer is spending it with you and making the most of every moment at camp. Also, my sneaker game is going to be on point this summer. I’ve got some funky new kicks I can’t wait to break in! Describe PFC in 3 words: Bliss, Happiness, Home.

Fun fact about myself: I am fluent in American Sign Language and all of the students I teach are Deaf.